Types Of Structures Research Articles

Out-of-plane shake table tests on solid masonry walls with timber floors

Out-of-plane (OOP) collapse is one of the most observed damage types in masonry structures during strong earthquakes. OOP strength of a masonry wall depends on several parameters such as the dimensions of the wall, vertical restoring force, boundary conditions and material properties, which are parameters creating complex kinematics during an earthquake. Testing of OOP response of a masonry wall is thus a challenging task, also because additional to the complexities mentioned, the seismic forces triggering OOP are caused by inertia of the wall itself, a phenomenon that needs dynamic testing. All these facts make shake table tests of masonry walls for capturing the OOP response extremely relevant. This paper presents shake table tests on a total of four wall specimens, two of which were reference walls and the other two were strengthened solid masonry walls. The tested walls built to represent the characteristics of Groningen houses built before the Second World War and also the historical masonry structures in the region. The strengthening methods applied are the deep-mounted carbon strips embedded in flexible epoxy and helical bars applied in mortar beds. The shake table tests presented here show that OOP specimens not including the additional masses imposed by the floors may oversee important kinematic response characteristics of the walls. Furthermore, tests have also shown that even serious cracks caused by OOP response close when the shaking stops, which causes damage on the walls and significant decrease in the stiffness, but they are extremely difficult to be caught by human inspection. This has consequences in terms of ongoing damage inspection and compensation efforts taking place in the Groningen gas field. The strengthening methods applied to the two specimens have shown clear improvement in strength, and a partial improvement in progression of damage.

Aerodynamic interference between road vehicle and train during meeting on a single-level rail-cum-road bridge under crosswind

A single-level rail-cum-road bridge is a relatively new type of bridge structure that accommodates both roadway and railway traffic on the same level. The aerodynamic interactions between road vehicles, trains, and the bridge deck under strong crosswind are significant, potentially posing safety risks to both vehicles and trains. This study aims to elucidate the aerodynamic interference between a road vehicle and a train during meeting on a single-level rail-cum-road bridge under crosswind. To achieve this, a three-dimensional, incompressible, unsteady Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes method is utilized to simulate the meeting process between a van and a train on a prototype single-level rail-cum-road bridge under crosswind. Using an established computational fluid dynamics numerical model, the flow structure and aerodynamic loads of the van–train–bridge system under crosswind are studied. The results show that the auxiliary facilities on the bridge deck (such as pedestrian guardrails and anti-glare barriers) significantly alter the flow field around the van and train, affecting their aerodynamic characteristics. Additionally, the aerodynamic interference between the van and the train during their meeting under crosswind is substantial. The aerodynamic coefficients of the van and train, in terms of both magnitude and fluctuation, increase significantly with their driving speeds during the meeting process under crosswind. Furthermore, this aerodynamic interference intensifies as the lateral distance between the van and the train decreases during the meeting under crosswind.

Attribute verbalisation of the concept ‘blood’ in M. Tsvetaeva's texts

The relevance of the article is connected with the application of the cognitive-semantic method of analysing epithet paradigmatics in M. Tsvetaeva’s texts. The aims and objectives are connected to the study of the idiostyle specificity of the attribute verbalisation of the conceptual meaning ‘blood’ in M. Tsvetaeva’s texts, in the course of which the role of epithetisation in the individual style system of the poet under study is revealed, the semantic content of this concept in the texts of M. Tsvetaeva, as well as the types of epithet words that verbalise this meaning. On the basis of cognitive-semantic, component, lexicographic and lexical-semantic, as well as statistical methods of analysis, the attribute verbalisation of the concept ‘blood’ in M. Tsvetaeva’s texts is analysed. The comparison of the characteristic nomination was carried out on the basis of the ‘Dictionary of Epithets of the Russian Literary Language’ and M. Tsvetaeva’s texts. The considered types of epithet words that verbalise the attribute nomination of blood in M. Tsvetaeva’s texts made it possible to record a minor coincidence of the qualitative attributes of this object of epithetisation with usage, while the majority of epithet words demonstrate non-usual lexical compatibility. The idiolect epithet paradigm is represented by emotional and psychological characteristics; among the structural and morphological types of epithets, simple adjectival and substantive ones lead. It has been proven that the specificity of the attribute verbalisation of ‘blood’ is associated with the anthropomorphic semantics of this concept as the focus of the essence of the personality, its character. Attributive verbalisation of the qualitative characteristics of an object is one of the peculiarities of M. Tsvetaeva’s individual style. The usual attributes of the concept ‘blood’ as a person’s temperament and vital activity are preserved, but there is a clear tendency towards an occasional interpretation of the signs are realised in its idiolect, but are subject to the author’s reflection and rethought. The i dentification o f a new feature of the c oncept occurs based on the s ubjective perception of reality, awareness of its significance for the author. The qualitative characteristics of the subject, his inner world is one of the dominant features of M. Tsvetaeva’s language.

Exploring the InSAR signature associated with river-sourced recharge in California’s San Joaquin Valley

Recharge is a critical component for understanding aquifer systems and the sustainable management of groundwater resources, yet this process is challenging to measure at policy-relevant spatiotemporal scales. Building upon previous research, we tested the hypothesis that InSAR can be used to observe river-sourced recharge if the underlying recharge pathways are associated with sufficient clay content. Our analysis leveraged the decomposition of InSAR time series with interpretations of 3D resistivity models derived from airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys. We focused our analysis on two study sites where high density AEM data were available and river-sourced recharge is determined to have occurred during wet years: (1) near Fresno, California and (2) near Visalia, California. Sediment type and hydrogeological structure from AEM supported our hypothesis with the InSAR signature attributed to river-sourced recharge occurring only in the study site with semi-confined to confined conditions and relatively high fraction of interbedded clay within recharge pathways. The timing to peak amplitude, the key feature we wanted to isolate in the InSAR data, near Visalia was interpreted as a pressure pulse front associated with river-sourced recharge propagating into the San Joaquin Valley. This study further validated the potential of InSAR, coupled with AEM data, to map and monitor river-sourced recharge in aquifer systems. As InSAR data become more accessible, this approach holds promise for broader applications in groundwater science and management worldwide.

The impact of digital finance on young People's health insurance participation decisions in China.

The digital finance era has reshaped young people's lifestyles, risk perceptions and insurance participation decisions. Modern youth have to constantly seek for rational social security support and construct individual protection barriers to adapt to new lifestyles and social structures. China's multi-tiered, universal health insurance system is urgently needed to satisfy young people's flexible needs and rational decision-making. Based on the micro data from 2011 ~ 2021 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS), this paper uses macro data from Digital Inclusive Finance Index (DIFI) matching to construct probit and m-logit model to assess the impact of the development of digital finance on Chinese youth whether or not to participate in health insurance, and how they choose the concrete type of health insurance. (1) Baseline regression results shows that digital finance has a significant positive effect on Chinese youth's health insurance participation decisions, and has different effects on choices within health insurance types. Strong support for the conclusions is provided by endogeneity and robustness tests. (2) The results of the heterogeneity analysis reveal that the marginal effect of digital finance on young people's health insurance decisions shows urban-rural differences, divergence in levels of self-rated health. (3) The mechanism analysis results suggest that there are two mechanism paths of digital finance on youth health insurance decisions: the household income effect and the subjective well-being effect, and two moderating effects: employment type and family structure. Highlighting the positive value that digital finance brings to the perception of youth insurance participation and the construction of social security systems, it needs to pay close attention to the dynamic changes in employment security and family structure through data, and explore the socio-psychological fluctuation and demand for social security among modern youth. To provide a way forward to achieve the integration of the health insurance system in China and solve the current problem of health insurance equity.

The haplotype-resolved Prymnesium parvum (type B) microalga genome reveals the genetic basis of its fish-killing toxins

The catastrophic loss of aquatic life in the Central European Oder River in 2022, caused by a toxic bloom of the haptophyte microalga Prymnesium parvum (in a wide sense, s.l.), underscores the need to improve our understanding of the genomic basis of the toxin. Previous morphological, phylogenetic, and genomic studies have revealed cryptic diversity within P.parvum s.l. and uncovered three clade-specific (types A, B, and C) prymnesin toxins. Here, we used state-of-the-art long-read sequencing and assembled the first haplotype-resolved diploid genome of a P.parvum type B from the strain responsible for the Oder disaster. Comparative analyses with type A genomes uncovered a genome-size expansion driven by repetitive elements in type B. We also found conserved synteny but divergent evolution in several polyketide synthase (PKS) genes, which are known to underlie toxin production in combination with environmental cues. We identified an approximately 20-kbp deletion in the largest PKS gene of type B that we link to differences in the chemical structure of types A and B prymnesins. Flow cytometry and electron microscopy analyses confirmed diploidy in the Oder River strain and revealed differences to closely related strains in both ploidy and morphology. Our results provide unprecedented resolution of strain diversity in P.parvum s.l. and a better understanding of the genomic basis of toxin variability in haptophytes. The reference-quality genome will enable us to better understand changes in microbial diversity in the face of increasing environmental pressures and provides a basis for strain-level monitoring of invasive Prymnesium in the future.

Comparison of anomalous displacement detectability of bridges between X and C band InSAR data: Case study on a collapse of water pipe bridge

This paper presents a feasibility of detecting anomalous displacements on bridges where collapses have occurred using C-band satellite synthetic aperture radar (SAR). Recently, the number of aging bridges due to damage and corrosion has been increased in many countries. Although there are various maintenance and management systems, the authors have focused on satellite SAR, one of the remote sensing technologies, to establish a wide-area multiple bridge monitoring technology. In a previous study, the authors analyzed high-resolution X-band interferometric SAR (InSAR) data acquired by the Italian satellite COSMO-SkyMed during the two years before the accident for the MUSOTA water pipe bridge in Japan, which collapsed on October 2021. As a result, it was shown that there was an anomalous displacement about one year before the accident, which seemed to be a sign of the collapse. On the other hand, the utilization of Sentinel-1 (C-band) data, which has lower resolution than X-band data, but is freely available, covers a wide area, and has dense time-series SAR images, would be beneficial for the practical application of this technology. In this study, InSAR data acquired by Sentinel-1 for the MUSOTA water pipe bridge from 2016 to 2022 are analyzed. Then, we compare the line-of-sight (LOS) displacement anomaly before the collapse with the results analyzed by the X-band satellite. As a result of statistical analysis of the displacement between the collapsed span and the adjacent spans with similar structural type assumed to be intact, it is shown that Sentinel-1 also captured differences which seemed to be the signs of the collapse about one year before the accident. This result supports the analysis of the X-band satellite data and shows potential for utilization in bridge anomaly detection systems, even for low-resolution C-band data.

Effects of heat stress mitigation strategies on feedlot cattle performance, environmental, and economic outcomes in a hot climate

The increase in average global temperatures presents a challenge for the beef industry, especially in the feedlot sector where heat stress is a major animal welfare and economic concern. Shade is one of the most practical methods to mitigate heat stress in feedlot cattle. An experiment was conducted as a completely randomized design with 1 560 Bos indicus bulls (initial BW=287 kg) where three shade structure types were used to investigate the effects of different heat stress mitigation methods on cattle growth performance, environmental, and economic outcomes using live animal data, and a partial lifecycle assessment using the Integrated Farm System Model. The live animal portion of the experiment was done once a year over a 2-year period with three pen replications per treatment per year (n = 6 per treatment). Four shade structures used were conventional shade (SC; steel shade 1.8 m2 of shade/animal), double conventional shade (DS; steel shade 3.6 m2 of shade/animal), dome structures without fans (DSA; 8.5 m2/animal with 98% solar radiation blocked), and domes with fans (DCA; DSA plus three large sized low-speed fans). Each pen held 65 bulls in an area of 570 m2. Live animal data were analyzed as a completely randomized design using the GLM procedure of SAS (version 9.4) with shade type as fixed effect, pen as the experimental unit, and repetition (year) considered a random effect. Cattle housed under DCA had 22 and 20 kg heavier final body BW (P < 0.05) compared to those housed under SC and DS, respectively. Final BW of DCA and DSA cattle were similar (P > 0.05). Average daily gain, feed efficiency, and hot carcass weight were greater (P < 0.05) for cattle housed under DCA compared to the rest of the shade types. Dry matter intake was not affected (P > 0.05). When treatment results were extrapolated to the annual feedlot turnover of 209,700 animals, cattle in DSA and DCA versus SC and DS had 3–8% reductions in greenhouse gas and ammonia emission intensities. Compared to SC, DCA increased profitability by $29.66/animal, followed by DSA and DS with profit increases of $5.79 and $8.90/animal, respectively. Overall, the implementation of advanced shade structures improved cattle performance and profitability while reducing the environmental impact of beef production.

Machine learning-based grayscale analyses for lithofacies identification of the Shahejie Formation, Bohai Bay Basin, China

It is of great significance to accurately and rapidly identify shale lithofacies in relation to the evaluation and prediction of sweet spots for shale oil and gas reservoirs. To address the problem of low resolution in logging curves, this study establishes a grayscale-phase model based on high-resolution grayscale curves using clustering analysis algorithms for shale lithofacies identification, working with the Shahejie Formation, Bohai Bay Basin, China. The grayscale phase is defined as the sum of absolute grayscale and relative amplitude as well as their features. The absolute grayscale is the absolute magnitude of the gray values and is utilized for evaluating the material composition (mineral composition + total organic carbon) of shale, while the relative amplitude is the difference between adjacent gray values and is used to identify the shale structure type. The research results show that the grayscale phase model can identify shale lithofacies well, and the accuracy and applicability of this model were verified by the fitting relationship between absolute grayscale and shale mineral composition, as well as corresponding relationships between relative amplitudes and laminae development in shales. Four lithofacies are identified in the target layer of the study area: massive mixed shale, laminated mixed shale, massive calcareous shale and laminated calcareous shale. This method can not only effectively characterize the material composition of shale, but also numerically characterize the development degree of shale laminae, and solve the problem that difficult to identify millimeter-scale laminae based on logging curves, which can provide technical support for shale lithofacies identification, sweet spot evaluation and prediction of complex continental lacustrine basins.

An overview on cubic liquid crystalline nanoparticles-trig lipid drug delivery system

This type of complex structure allows them greater drug loading ability, because of increased surface area and cuboidal structures, they have simple method of preparation and have ability to encapsulate hydrophilic, hydrophobic and amphiphilic substances. Cubosomes increases the solubility of poorly soluble drugs. Cubosomal dispersions are bioadhesive and biocompatible in nature. These are versatile systems, administered by different ways such as oral, perctuneous and parental routes. Cubosomes have broad vast applications in many areas and are characterized by various parameters consequently cubosomes are in move forward of awareness by pharmaceutical development division. Cubosomes, sometimes referred to as bicontinuous cubic phase liquid crystals, are spherical, quadruple nanoparticles with an interior cubic lattice mostly composed of certain amphiphilic lipids in a particular proportion. Cubosomes often arise when a solid-like phase is dispersed into smaller particles after a surfactant or polar lipid is hydrated to form a cubic phase. With distinct qualities of practical interest, they exhibit solid like rheology. They are thermodynamically stable, self-assembling drug delivery devices. Water and lipid bicontinuous domains give cubosomes their carvenous structure. Three-dimensional bilayers are formed by tightly twisted honeycomb arrangements.

Waste Study on Flexible Food and Non-Food Packaging: Detailed Analysis of the Plastic Composition of European Polyethylene-Containing Waste Streams.

Despite extensive sorting, packaging waste often contains a mixture of different materials that make high-quality recycling difficult, especially in the case of flexible packaging. This is partly due to the widespread use of multi-layer laminates and packaging consisting of different inseparably combined materials. To improve the post-consumer recyclate quality and develop optimised recycling processes, it is important to generate a comprehensive understanding of the composition of the sorted packaging waste streams. Therefore, in this study, polyolefin sorting fractions for flexible packaging waste from three European countries are analysed in detail. By selective extraction of the different plastics, their mass fractions in the waste streams are determined. This shows that the PE-rich sorting fractions for flexible packaging are made up of 85-90% of PE, but also contain a certain proportion of foreign materials. A detailed analysis of the layer structures of various types of packaging also provides information on the prevalence of multi-layer packaging and the polymer and non-polymer materials used therein. This shows that particularly in food packaging, with 63-84% of multi-layer and 50-70% of multi-material packaging, a high proportion of foreign materials is used and introduced into the sorting fractions. These insights provide a valuable contribution to the development of recyclable packaging, potential sorting streams and recycling processes, especially with regard to the challenges of the closed-loop recycling of food packaging.

Experimental and analytical investigations on flexural performance of corroded RC beams using RBSM-based corrosion model

Residual strength and structural performance of reinforced concrete (RC) structures subjected to rebar corrosion need to be precisely evaluated for an efficient rehabilitation process. However, the performance of deteriorated structures cannot be specified by using design methods since the damaged conditions are different in each type of structures due to corrosion degree, corrosion position, environmental condition. This study first presents an experimental investigation on the flexural performance of RC beam subjected to rebar corrosion. To complement the test data, an analytical corrosion model developed by the authors, which is based on Rigid Body Spring Method (RBSM), was employed. The results obtained from both analytical model and experiment confirmed that the corroded beam appeared to obtain a significantly lower bending stiffness and lower flexural capacity than those of the sound beam. The developed corrosion model can be able to capture the load-displacement curve of experimental results with good agreement.

Thermodynamic stability of selected ASb2O6 and A2Sb2O7 phases (A = Ca, Ba, Cd, Sr, Zn)

– Antimonates with the stoichiometry ASb2O6 and A2Sb2O7 have a wide range of applications in many areas of materials sciences and geosciences. In this work, we have derived thermodynamic properties of ASb2O6 (A = Ba, Ca, Sr, Zn, Na2, Cd) and A2Sb2O7, (A = Ca, Cd) with a combination of high-temperature oxide-melt calorimetry, relaxation calorimetry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and density-functional theory (DFT) calculations. The samples were synthesized by solid-state techniques, characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, and found to belong to different structural types (rosiaite, trirutile, ilmenite, pyrochlore, and weberite). The Gibbs free energies of formation at T = 298.15 K from elements are (all data in kJ·mol−1) −1691.7 ± 4.8 (BaSb2O6), −1710.8 ± 4.7 (CaSb2O6), −1219.3 ± 4.1 (CdSb2O6), −1674.4 ± 4.9 (SrSb2O6), −1302.0 ± 3.4 (ZnSb2O6), −1596.9 ± 5.4 (Na2Sb2O6), −2407.6 ± 8.0 (Ca2Sb2O7), −1497.6 ± 7.5 (Cd2Sb2O7). The DFT calculations allowed to extrapolate the experimental heat capacity up to T = 1000 K and to calculate phase diagrams. They show that the syntheses of these compounds should be feasible either by hydrothermal treatment or solid-state reaction (using carbonates) with Na2Sb2O6 as a precursor at relatively low temperatures. The only exception seems to be the phase SrSb2O6 that is predicted to be unstable in a solid-state reaction involving Na2Sb2O6 and SrCO3.

Rapid Mining of Fast Ion Conductors via Subgraph Isomorphism Matching.

The rapidly evolving field of inorganic solid-state electrolytes (ISSEs) has been driven in recent years by advances in data-mining techniques, which facilitates the high-throughput computational screening for candidate materials in the databases. The key to the mining process is the selection of critical features that underline the similarity of a material to an existing ISSE. Unfortunately, this selection is generally subjective and frequently under debate. Here we propose a subgraph isomorphism matching method that allows an objective evaluation of the similarity between two compounds according to the topology of the local atomic environment. The matching algorithm has been applied to discover four structure types that are highly analogous to the LiTi2(PO4)3 NASICON prototype. We demonstrate that the local atomic environments similar to LiTi2(PO4)3 endow these four structures with favorable Li diffusion tunnels and ionic conductivity on par with those of the prototype. By further taking into account the electronic structure and electrochemical stability window, 13 compounds are identified to be potential ISSEs. Our findings not only offer a promising approach toward rapid mining of fast ion conductors without limitation in the compositional range but also reveal insights into the design of ISSEs according to the topology of their framework structures.

Dawn of diverse shelled and carbonaceous animal microfossils at ~ 571 Ma

The Ediacaran-Cambrian transition documents a critical stage in the diversification of animals. The global fossil record documents the appearance of cloudinomorphs and other shelled tubular organisms followed by non-biomineralized small carbonaceous fossils and by the highly diversified small shelly fossils between ~ 550 and 530 Ma. Here, we report diverse microfossils in thin sections and hand samples from the Ediacaran Bocaina Formation, Brazil, separated into five descriptive categories: elongate solid structures (ES); elongate filled structures (EF); two types of equidimensional structures (EQ 1 and 2) and elongate hollow structures with coiled ends (CE). These specimens, interpreted as diversified candidate metazoans, predate the latest Ediacaran biomineralized index macrofossils of the Cloudina-Corumbella-Namacalathus biozone in the overlying Tamengo Formation. Our new carbonate U–Pb ages for the Bocaina Formation, position this novel fossil record at 571 ± 9 Ma (weighted mean age). Thus, our data point to diversification of metazoans, including biomineralized specimens reminiscent of sections of cloudinids, protoconodonts, anabaritids, and hyolithids, in addition to organo-phosphatic surficial coverings of animals, demonstrably earlier than the record of the earliest known skeletonized metazoan fossils.

Stress-strain state of building structures taking into account possible local failure of the element

The issue of choosing a structural design and material for supporting structures is an important technical and economic task at the stage of developing a design solution. It depends on a number of factors: consequence class of the structure, reliability of the design solution, savings in basic building materials. The publication provides a classification of design schemes and types of load-bearing structures used in the corresponding solutions. The disadvantages and advantages of using prefabricated and monolithic structures for the installation and subsequent operation of the structural scheme of buildings and structures are considered. Modern design requirements include ensuring the ability of a damaged structure to adapt to new conditions while continuing to function while ensuring the integrity of human life, property and equipment. New conditions mean the consequences of the occurrence of a certain emergency situation, accompanied by weakening or overloading of the load-bearing structures of a structure or soil foundation: a change in the structural design, a combination of new existing loads and a redistribution of internal forces. The publication reflects the results of assessing the redistribution of the stress-strain state of the elements of the “base - foundations - load-bearing structures” system as a result of the implementation of a hypothetical emergency situation with the exclusion of the load-bearing structure from operation. The case of the collapse of one of the vertical load-bearing elements (local failure of the pylon) of an underground floor, which can be used as a dual-use structure, is considered. Calculations for the stability of the structure against progressive collapse were carried out by numerical modeling in the LIRA SAPR-2019 software using a quasi-static calculation and the method of direct integration of dynamics over time. It has been demonstrated that the method of numerical modeling the joint work of a building with a soil base affects the results of a calculation of the progressive collapse of the building frame. The influence of local collapse of a vertical load-bearing element on the redistribution of stresses and strains in the foundation structures of a building section is assessed. The load on the piles under the pylons around the element removed under the local failure scenario is expected to increase by 15...25%.

Modern trends in the formation of sports and recreational complexes

Today, in the context of the demographic and environmental crisis in Ukraine caused by military actions, it is extremely important to consider the trend of formation of sports infrastructure facilities as those subjects of the urban recreational network that will take the main position in the post-war period in the task of rehabilitation of the population. The nature of the urban structure makes us look at the modern sports complex as an integrated entity of the general recreational network. As a result, the problem of interconnection of the sports function with other functions in the structure of a single multifunctional complex is becoming more relevant. The article highlights the problems of formation of sports and recreational complexes in modern conditions. The factors that influence the modification of the form of SRC and the vectors of further development of the typology of this type of buildings and structures are identified. The design of sports infrastructure facilities should include a generalisation of modern experience and the application of the method of prospective analysis to determine trends in the development of the form of the SRC. This involves analysing current needs and forecasting future requirements for sports and recreational facilities, taking into account changes in public attitudes, demographic trends and the impact of technological innovations. The study is based on a systematic approach where sports and recreational complexes are considered as an element of the socio-cultural space. The use of a holistic architectural approach involved the application of methods for generalising modern experience in the design of facilities of this type and the method of prospective analysis, which will help to identify trends in the development of the form of sports and recreation complexes. The results of the study can be used to develop and adjust the existing architectural research base and the strategy for the reconstruction of Ukraine. They will contribute to the creation of an effective, modern and sustainable sports infrastructure in modern Ukrainian cities.

Evolution of frames made of laminated timber

Structural constructions made of solid and laminated timber have been widely used in many countries around the world. The emergence of constructions made of laminated timber is due to the fact that obtaining a sufficient cross-section size from natural wood is quite difficult due to limitations. Laminating boards together allowed for larger dimensions of cross-section elements while preserving the positive properties of timber. With the advent of efficient laminating technologies, it became possible to manufacture a wide variety of timber constructions, including curved ones, opening up more possibilities for design using timber. Frames have become one of the main types of building structures due to their simplicity and functionality. Frames have been used by humanity since ancient times and continue to be one of the main constructive forms, which speaks to their eternal relevance and the need for further improvement and development of this constructive form. The study examines the process of the formation and development of frame constructions made of solid and laminated timber, which helps to better understand the processes that have influenced, are influencing, and will influence the calculation and design of frame constructions, thereby helping to formulate a more informed approach to designing and modifying this constructive form. The benefits of designing with laminated timber, its best application in construction and architecture, and the direct advantages of using frame constructions are once again revealed.

Features of studying and implementing gamification technologies in the practice of teaching a foreign language

Importance. The development of gamification technologies in the practice of teaching activities is considered. The process of formation and development of gamification concepts in domestic and foreign education is analyzed, the main approaches to the specification of the term “gamification” are identified, it is emphasized that gamification, unlike many gaming practices, has a nonimitation nature, where, based on certain rules, an educational result is achieved.Materials and Methods. An overview of the results of foreign empirical studies of gamification is presented, the identified positive effects of technology application and promising directions of its study are shown.Results and Discussion. Structural and content types of gamification are identified, including the main elements and mechanisms of this pedagogical technology. The potential of pedagogical technology in the field of motivational orientation, involvement and immersion of students in the educational process is emphasized. The distinctive features and possible negative trends in the use of gamification in the educational process are identified.Conclusion. Gamification technologies make it possible to implement most didactic principles and implement sociocultural, communicative, self-development, therapeutic, correctional and entertaining pedagogical functions.

SYNTHESIS OF SODIUM HETEROPOLY DECATUNGSTOEUROPATE(III) WITH PLATE-LIKE SURFACE MICROMORPHOLOGY

In order to develop an express procedure for the synthesis of the Eu(III)-containing heteropoly compound Na9[Eu(W5O18)2]·35H2O, a study of the interaction in an aqueous solution of the Na2WO4 – HNO3 – Eu(NO3)3 – H2O system acidified to an acidity of Z = ν(H+)/ν(WO42–) = 0.80 was carried. A procedure for obtaining a single-phase sample of Na9[Eu(W5O18)2]·35H2O is proposed, which is performed by a simple technique in a short time, which does not exceed 5 days from the addition of reactants to obtaining the target product with a yield of more than 90%. It was established that during salting out, the addition of an organic solvent (propan-2-one) results in the crystallization of Na9[Eu(W5O18)2]·35H2O normal salt with plate-like surface micromorphology. The set of oscillations characteristic for the heteropoly tungstate anion with the Peacock–Weakley type of structure, [Eu(W5O18)2]9–, was established by the methods of FT-IR spectroscopy and FT-Raman spectroscopy. By the method of FT-IR spectroscopy the absence of organic solvent molecules (propan-2-one) in the composition of the crystalline product was established. The revealed set of vibrations in the FT-IR and Raman spectra of the isolated salt (the most intense valence vibrations at 710, 797, 849, and 935 cm-1 in the FT-IR spectrum; intense bands in the region of 930–980 cm-1 in the Raman spectrum) is characteristic of the site group of the heteropoly anion [Ln(W5O18)2]9– (Ln = La–Lu) and is identical to the FT-IR and Raman spectra of salts, the crystal structure of which has been reliably established by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. By the method of scanning electron microscopy, it was shown that the grain size of Na9[Eu(W5O18)2]·35H2O powder is up to 500 nm. The single phase of the salt was confirmed by the uniform surface contrast in the backscattered electron imaging (BEI) mode and by the uniform distribution of Eu, Na, W, and O during the scanning of the surface in the characteristic X-ray radiation.